Gem Verlander, a timely bat propels the Astros over the Red Sox

HOUSTON — Kyle Tucker hit a two-run homer and Justin Verlander hit six scoreless innings as the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 7-3 Tuesday night.

Boston coach Alex Cora and Mexican outfielder Alex Verdugo were fired for arguing over ball counts and strikes. The Red Sox suffered their second straight loss in Houston.

Plate umpire Pat Hoberg ejected Verdugo in the top of the fourth inning. In the bottom of the seventh inning he dismissed Cora, who challenged the fourth ball to Alex Bregman.

It was the second ejection in three games for Cora, who stood at home plate and kicked dirt before yelling at Hoberg.

Verlander (9-6) allowed five hits and a season-high nine strikeouts in his fourth start since returning to the Astros in a trade from the Mets.

The loss went to the Tanner Hawks (3-7).

For the Red Sox, Mexicans Verdugo 2-0, Luis Urillas 3-0. Venezuelan Willir Abreu 3-2 scored. Dominican Rafael Devers scored 4-1.

In favor of the Astros, Venezuelan Jose Altuve 4-0. Dominican Yaner Diaz is 4-1 with a run scored and an RBI. Jeremy Peña makes it 2-0. Honduras Mauricio Dupont 3-1 with a scored run. Puerto Rico’s Martin Maldonado is 3-1 with an RBI.